By Vincent D’Silva

JOHOR BARU: Dr Gary Ko is known for his generosity in always bringing some smiles to the needy families. Now he is ready to continue dispensing free fish every week.

Johor Baru-born Dr Ko is a medical doctor who has been part of a private practice in Thailand where he worked for many years after graduating from the kingdom.

He returns home annually to celebrate Chinese New Year with his relatives. But in early 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has forced him to stay put in Malaysia.

Dr Ko had no choice but to help in his family’s wholesale fish business to keep himself busy.

Dr Ko giving away free fish to a recipient at Sri Stulang flats

The constant lockdowns have brought sufferings to many, some lost their jobs and this has gained Dr Ko’s sympathy.

On many occasions, , during festive seasons and other hard times, he arranged for quantities of fish from his business to be given to the needy to avert destitution.

Understanding the difficulty faced by a number of charitable homes, orphanages and old folks homes which are currently facing tough times due to shrinking public donations, also got his attention.

Moved by the plight of these poor people struggling to put food on the table, Dr Ko doled out the catch that his company gathere to these people.

Every year during the festive seasons like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali and Christmas, he never failed to help the needy and those from the B40 group.

“During rainy days, fishermen are reluctant to go out to sea and hence the price of fish spiralled,” he stressed.

“How can the poor afford fish in this type of situation?” asked Dr Ko.

He knows what these poor families are going through because I’ts difficult to get fish with the current bad weather.

“They have other commitments besides getting food for their dependents as many have large families and they have other expenses too,” he lamented.

Dr Ko’s donation include selar kuning, kembong and gelama, species nobody would claim to be rare but to struggling mothers, they are a boon.

He has made it a point to bring some relief to families in need at every festive season.

“In just a few week will be the start of Ramadan and I am already geared up to help the needy Muslim families and orphanages by bringing fish to them,” said the 50-year old doctor.

He also sympathised with the sufferings of the jobless poor who struggled to put food on the table for their families.

“I believe by donating fish to the poor families and needy, I’m bringing some light to their homes. It is my contribution to these people,” he said with a smile.

Dr Ko studied medicine at Ramkamhaeng University in Bangkok and set up a private practice in the Thai capital after his internship.

The forced prolonged stay in his hometown prompted Dr Ko’s family to suggest that he manage their seafood business.

“As I am unable to treat patients in my clinic back in Thailand, let me then give the penurious a treat here during festive seasons,” he added.

Single mothers and those from the B40 group showing the fish that was donated by Dr Gary Ko.